8-KLeadership ChangesAcquisitions & DispositionsMaterial Agreements+2

ADOBE INC. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Dec 7, 2005)

Filed December 7, 2005For Securities:ADBE

Summary

This 8-K filing by Adobe Systems Incorporated on December 7, 2005, primarily announces the official closing of the merger with Macromedia, Inc., which became effective on December 3, 2005. The merger was structured as a tax-free reorganization, with Macromedia becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adobe. Each outstanding share of Macromedia common stock was converted into 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock. This significant transaction is expected to be accounted for using the purchase method. Additionally, the filing details the appointment of Stephen A. Elop as President of Worldwide Field Operations, effective December 5, 2005, and his associated employment agreement. It also reports the appointment of Robert K. Burgess to Adobe's board of directors. The company also disclosed an approved restructuring plan to align resources post-merger, anticipating $20.0 to $25.0 million in pre-tax charges over the next twelve months, primarily for facility consolidation and employee severance. Finally, it outlines the terms of an executive severance agreement with Ivan Koon.

Key Highlights

  • 1Adobe Systems Incorporated completed its merger with Macromedia, Inc. on December 3, 2005, with Macromedia now operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
  • 2The merger was structured as a tax-free reorganization, with Macromedia shareholders receiving 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock.
  • 3Stephen A. Elop, former CEO of Macromedia, has been appointed Adobe's President of Worldwide Field Operations, effective December 5, 2005, with a detailed employment agreement outlining compensation and stock options.
  • 4Robert K. Burgess, formerly of Macromedia, has joined Adobe's Board of Directors.
  • 5Adobe announced a restructuring plan expected to incur $20.0 - $25.0 million in pre-tax charges over the next 12 months, mainly for facility consolidation and employee severance related to integrating Macromedia's operations.
  • 6The company is adopting the 2005 Equity Incentive Assumption Plan to manage stock awards arising from the Macromedia acquisition, reserving approximately 8.8 million shares of Adobe common stock.
  • 7An executive severance agreement was finalized with Ivan Koon, Senior Vice President of Intelligent Documents Business Unit, detailing severance payments and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

This filing officially announces the completion of Adobe's merger with Macromedia, Inc., detailing the effective date, the share exchange ratio, and the accounting treatment for the acquisition. It also covers key executive appointments and compensation, and the company's restructuring plans post-merger.

Adobe will account for the Macromedia acquisition using the purchase method. The company anticipates incurring approximately $20.0 to $25.0 million in pre-tax restructuring and related charges over the next twelve months, with the majority related to employee severance and facility consolidation. These costs will be recognized as charges against earnings in the respective quarters they are incurred.

Stephen A. Elop's employment agreement includes an annual base salary of $500,000, a target annual bonus of 75% of base salary, eligibility for profit sharing (up to 10% of base salary), and participation in the Adobe Executive Severance Plan. He was also granted an option to purchase 175,000 shares of Adobe common stock and will have accelerated vesting for certain previously issued Macromedia stock options and restricted stock awards.

Adobe has adopted the 2005 Equity Incentive Assumption Plan to assume outstanding stock awards and shares under Macromedia's incentive plans. This plan reserves approximately 8.8 million shares of Adobe common stock for issuance, primarily to manage awards originating from Macromedia. New awards under this plan can be granted to employees who were not previously with Adobe or its affiliates (excluding Macromedia and its subsidiaries).